Plug Power: A Tale of Two Futures

In the market today, there are three types of investors. One group of investors consists of optimists who always see the glass half full. Another group of investors always examines the glass with a critical eye. And then a third group of investors is willing to join either group if the right facts and conditions present themselves.

Given Plug Power's (NASDAQ: PLUG) roller-coaster ride, it is fair to say that all three types of investors are monitoring Plug Power.

As an investor, it is important to understand the other side's perspective. Here are the scenarios that the pessimists and optimists are calling for and why they believe those scenarios will unfold.

The pessimist's caseThe pessimist don't believe management can change. A leopard can't change its spots, and Plug Power management won't suddenly begin to execute after nearly a decade and half of not executing. Bearish investors point to management's history of optimistic guidance and disappointing results. They also point to the approximately $850 million in total losses and the 14 years of failing to make the business model work.

The pessimist believe that given Plug Power's high valuation, the odds are very much against Plug Power. Given that the company didn't win many contracts until recently, the pessimist don't believe the company can win enough new contracts to justify the valuation as there is not enough market demand for Plug Power's products.

As a consequence of the company not winning enough contracts, the pessimists believe that Plug Power will continue to burn through cash. They believe that as management continues to disappoint in the coming earnings releases, more and more optimists will leave the stock in frustration, sending Plug Power significantly lower.

The optimist's caseThe optimists believe that this time is different. They believe, specifically, that there are enough tailwinds in terms of a larger market and more interest in fuel cell fork lifts that Plug Power can turn a profit.

And although Plug Power is overvalued versus other fuel cell companies such as Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) , the company does have 85% of the fuel cell-powered material handling equipment market. While the market is very small, given the right execution, there is potential for significant growth as the total addressable market may be anywhere between $4 billion and $20 billion.

For the optimists to be happy, Plug Power does not necessarily have to make profit right away; the company does need to win an order of magnitude more contracts in the coming years while at the same time controlling costs. The optimists hope that Plug Power will have enough positive cash flow to fund its growth without issuing more shares while at the same time improving its product.

If all of this happens, Plug Power can continue to rally.

The bottom lineThe investors on the sidelines are waiting to see whether Plug Power management can really execute. If management does manage to win significantly more contracts that justify the market cap while at the same time reducing production costs, those investors may consider investing in Plug Power.

In my opinion, being on the sidelines and enjoying the show is probably the best bet for now.

Do you know this energy tax "loophole"?You already know record oil and natural gas production is changing the lives of millions of Americans. But what you probably haven't heard is that the IRS is encouraging investors to support our growing energy renaissance, offering you a tax loophole to invest in some of America's greatest energy companies. Take advantage of this profitable opportunity by grabbing your brand-new special report, "The IRS Is Daring You to Make This Investment Now!," and you'll learn about the simple strategy to take advantage of a little-known IRS rule. Don't miss out on advice that could help you cut taxes for decades to come. Click here to learn more.

Comments from our Foolish Readers

Help us keep this a respectfully Foolish area! This is a place for our readers to discuss, debate, and learn more about the Foolish investing topic you read about above. Help us keep it clean and safe. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Fool's Rules, please report it via the Report this Comment icon found on every comment.

good summary ! I am belonging to group three.....optimist, pessimist and at the sidelines...

I am in fuelcells now for 12 years and now - 2014 - it looks very realistic that the fc and hydrogen will make this time in a big way in many markets and worldwide....tanking-infrastrucure is build step-by-step, hydrogen can be generated in many ways - also the "green way" via wind and solar and and.....We are now there where many hoped in the years 2000 - 2005 to be but today it is real and long-term.

Investors should see the fc-industry and not only a single company and the valuation of the group is extremely low.....US $ 5 bio ????

I would invest in several companies covering different aspects of the fc-industry:

1. Ballard Power

2. Fuelcell Energy

3. Hydrogenics

4. Plug Power

with these 4 you cover this market from the perpective of an investor. All offer superior growth....and are financially stable (cas in the bank, oders, partnerships etc.).

It might be the beginning of something very big and these stocks could explode over the coming years... (and we have 25th anniversary of the hydrogen society of Hamburg e.V. at the 14th of september of this year = a good sign !)